"I have many questions for Sharad Pawar. I challenge him to publicly answer these questions and tell me why farmers are suffering . Recently, Pawar had expressed displeasure over one of his ministers holding a lavish wedding celebration while the state is facing drought, but will Pawar also do something about the IPL tournament, which is held in a similar fashion. Will he ask the organisers of IPL at least to shift the matches that are to be held in Maharashtra elsewhere, since the state is facing a serious drought," asked Raj Thackeray.

Speaking to reporters at his residence , Raj said, "During my tour of the Marathwada region, I saw the condition of farmers. They have no crop, no cattle and no water to survive. At rallies that I held at various places, I asked simple questions about who is responsible for the plight of farmers in Maharashtra."

"It is clear that Sharad Pawar's NCP, which holds the charge of the irrigation department, has not been able to complete many projects in the past 14 years despite thousands of crores spent on these projects. Pawar must answer why there is drought."

Last week, NCP activists and MNS supporters clashed in many parts in western Maharashtra after Raj targeted Sharad Pawar and state deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Violent clashes took place in Navi Mumbai and Nashik. The situation came under control only after Ajit Pawar appealed for calm and requested his party activists not to respond to Raj.

Raj renewed the attack on the Pawars , alleging that they were responsible for water scarcity in the Marathwada region. NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said, "This is a typical tactic of Raj Thackeray to gain attention and create political space for himself in Maharashtra . "

"He is entertaining the crowds with his mimicry of various leaders, but shows no political maturity." Union home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, too, was targeted and ridiculed by Raj at a rally held at Shinde's home town Solapur. The home minister in a statement issued on Monday said, "I don't take Raj Thackeray seriously."